NACOGDOCHES, Texas -
The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team will open spring camp Tuesday with its first of 20 scheduled practice dates. The first workout is set to begin at 2:30 p.m., in helmets only. The first practice in full pads is slated for Tuesday, April 2nd. The 'Jacks have also set three scrimmage dates, with the annual spring game set for Saturday, April 27th (2 p.m.). All weekday workout times are set for 2:30 p.m., while Saturday workouts will begin at 9 a.m., and all are subject to change due to weather or injury.

Although SFA will no longer have the services of all-time leading receiver Cordell Roberson, 2012 All-American Willie Jefferson or four-time All-Southland Conference selection Josh Aubrey, it will return a host of talented players. The 'Jacks have the benefit of returning a third-year starting quarterback in Brady Attaway, who threw for nearly 3,700 yards and 29 touchdowns a year ago.

In addition to Attaway, the Lumberjack offense returns one of the nation's top running backs in junior Gus Johnson. The Gilmer, Texas, native carried the ball for nearly 1,000 yards last season on his way to earning first-team All-Southland Conference honors.

The Lumberjacks offensive line has been among the nation's leaders each of the past five seasons, but enters 2013 looking to fill a couple of gaps. SFA graduated four-year starter John Steel at center. The Boyd, Texas native closed out his career by earning All-America honors. In addition to Steel, the 'Jacks will also have to replace Austin Wright, who battled through an injury-plagued career to start three seasons on the offensive line.

SFA's defensive line will be led by senior Malcolm Mattox and junior Darren Robinson. Both players have earned all-conference honors at the defensive end spot, even though Mattox was moved to an interior position last season.

The 'Jacks' secondary will be benefitted by the return of Jordan Aubrey who has received an extra year of eligibility due to injuries that robbed him of his sophomore season. Another senior in the Lumberjack secondary is Caleb Nelson. A two-time All-SLC selection, Nelson recorded 66 tackles from his safety position, while Aubrey was among the league leaders with 97 stops a season ago.